Marianist Sister Estella Ibarra, FMI (James Marie) died April 7, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Born October 3, 1937 in San Antonio to Tomasa Bernal and Francisco Ibarra, the youngest of 7 children.

She met the Daughters of Mary Immaculate - Marianists as a St. James School teacher, entered in 1961 and professed first vows August 22, 1963.  She earned a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from University of Dayton in 1967 and a Master's in Social Work from Ohio State University in 1989.

Sr. Estella's ministries included Our Lady of the Pillar kindergarten and US Province Council Treasurer (San Antonio); Strategies for Responsible Development, Marianist Voluntary Service Communities (University of Dayton, OH); Catholic Charities, Diocese of Toledo (OH): FMI General Administration Treasurer (Rome).  Her tireless passion for justice, missionary spirit and fundraising, and helping families navigate the complexities of housing, employment and education earned her many recognitions including "Mother Teresa of Toledo".

She is warmly remembered by many relatives, Marianist sisters, brothers and laity and countless others she inspired and mentored. We have been blessed, challenged, changed and empowered by Estella's living faith and commitment to social justice.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 12th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 159 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228. Visitation 9am, Rosary 10am, Eucharist 11am.  Burial following in Marianist Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Marianist Sisters for the Adele Social Justice Fund that Sr. Estella founded. https://marianistsisters.com